THE HAGUE – The Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment has launched an online public consultation on the Childcare Decree BES. The proposal provides for a higher baby supplement from 1 January 2027 and clarifies the rules on closing days for childcare organisations. Responses can be submitted until 1 June 2026.
Increase in baby supplement
Childcare organisations that provide care for infants receive additional funding through what is known as the baby supplement. This is intended to cover costs such as extra staff, formula and nappies for children under the age of 1.
Around the time the Childcare Act BES came into force in 2026, signals emerged that this supplement was too low. New regulations led to rising costs, and some childcare locations for infants faced potential closure, despite an already existing shortage of places. The cabinet therefore intends to increase the supplement by approximately 15% from 2027 onwards. This plan is included in the 2026 Spring Memorandum.
Clarity on closing days
Childcare organisations on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba are often small-scale and operate with limited staff. This makes it difficult to schedule holidays, training or maintenance without having to close temporarily.
The new decree will establish that organisations may close for a maximum of 15 days per year while retaining their funding. It will also clearly set out when organisations are entitled to continued payment and for how long that period may last.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to this arrangement. An organisation will not receive compensation if the childcare facility is closed by the supervisory authority due to an unsafe or unhealthy situation.
In cases of force majeure, such as a hurricane or other natural disaster, any closing days will not count towards the 15-day limit. In such cases, an organisation may continue to receive funding for up to 6 months.
Responding to the proposal
Anyone can respond to the online consultation, which runs from 4 May to 1 June 2026 at 17:59 local time. Responses can be submitted via the government website.
